The Journey Home

3 - Good Days

Eileen

Mondays were by far the busiest days at the cafe. After all, Mondays were the days that most people dreaded so they turned to coffee and sweets to get through the day. This may sound like judgement but that couldn't be further from the truth. I was one of those people that depended not on coffee, but on sweets and the pastries here were the best.

So as I hid in the kitchen, eating my favorite pastry at the cafe my day got instantly better even if I knew that I had a long day ahead of me.

"Damn it Eileen! I should charge for all the crap you eat here." I jumped, startled that once again Marty had found me eating. Though his voice was serious when I turned to see him I saw the hint of a smile in the older man's blue eyes.

"Oh Marty, you know not to have these pastries made when I'm around." I teased and he chuckled softly.

Marty studied me for a moment, and I just knew exactly what was coming next. Somehow, this man that had known me for only a year knew more about me without asking than I did about myself.

"Did you get any sleep last night, darling?"

I finished eating my pastry before speaking up, knowing that Marty wouldn't let up without an answer.

"I don't think you sleep wondering if I am sleeping, Marty. You really shouldn't worry about me, you're the one that looks like he's about to fall asleep."

Marty shook his head gently before giving me a comforting squeeze on the shoulder. The old man could always see right through my facade somehow and even if he always joked, I knew that he was concerned about me.

It was strange for me, having someone be worried about me. So strange that I couldn't even bring myself to believe it. I just wasn't used to it.

But even then, I found it in my cold cold heart to appreciate it.

"Don't worry Marty, I'm fine. If I need anything I'll let you know." Marty simply nodded, knowing that I would never really let him know yet satisfied that I at least knew he was there.

The rest of the day was pretty hectic but I dared to say it went smoothly. Typically I would end up dropping something or messing an order up but today the planet seemed to be spinning in my favor.

It was one of the few days that I had in which I didn't feel worried or threatened. It was one of those days in which I felt like the me I used to be long, long ago.

Hours went by and I was so busy finishing up before leaving that I hadn't notice Marty talking to Moretti once again. It shouldn't have surprised me given that he was here almost everyday but the somber expression on his face upset me for some reason.

I looked at the time and realized it was time for me to leave but I found it hard to interrupt whatever conversation they were having. After a few minutes of debating I decided that I had to let Marty know that I was going to leave.

To my utmost disappointment, as soon as the two men sensed me walking towards them they both set their eyes on me. I shuddered, hating the feeling of having the attention on me. Thank God the cafe was nearly empty at this time because if not I would have felt like everyone was staring at me.

"Time for you to go, dear?" Marty asked with a smile.

I nodded, somehow unable to find my words.

"Why don't you let Alex give you a ride? That way you don't have to take the bus today."

My eyes widened at Marty's suggestion. How dare he make a comment like that? He knew perfectly well that I didn't like interacting with strangers, much less leave with them. Interestingly enough though, Moretti looked equally surprised as he glanced over to Marty.

"You wouldn't have an issue right?" Marty gave him a threatening look which caused Moretti to frown. "I'm sure you Eileen won't damage your fancy car, now will you?"

"It's really not necessary." I mumbled, but sure enough it was as if I hadn't spoken.

"I don't mind" Moretti said, standing up. "I am heading out anyways."

Moretti gave me a small smile that didn't meet his eyes. It seemed forced and I felt that much more uncomfortable.

"A word, dear."

I followed Marty to the back where he stood with his hands on his hips just like an angry father would. A pinch of pain poked at my heart at my memories of my father and the times years ago when he'd be concerned for me.

"You're ride to the academy is easily forty minutes Eileen, more on the bus. He's here, he has a car, take the ride. Besides, you know you really shouldn't be alone in the city."

"I really don't want to be a bother, Marty. You worry too much and-"

"No" he scolded. "Alex is here and is able to take you. I would go with you but I can't leave the cafe unattended."

I sighed exasperated. Marty didn't understand.

"I don't know him!" I nearly yelled. Marty's face softened and he nodded, finally catching on to my fears.

"But I do Eileen. He's a good man, a little rough around the edges but good nonetheless. Believe me when I say that he won't hurt you and I wouldn't risk your safety in any way."

Even though I found it difficult to trust anyone, seeing the sincere expression in Marty's face comforted me. I knew he wouldn't do anything to hurt me and he was perhaps the closest thing to a friend that I had. I nodded, without saying a word before walking back out with Marty and meeting with Moretti.

"Ready to go?" Moretti glanced up from his phone, his hazel eyes boring into mine for the first time since we spoke.

"Yeah" I said quietly.

Moretti nodded his goodbye to Marty before guiding me back to his car. Perhaps the fanciest and most expensive item I had laid eyes on, I stood there frozen when I saw it. My mouth opened and closed several times as I tried to comprehend the thousands and thousands of dollars that I was about to lay foot in.

"You okay there?" Moretti said with a hint of amusement in his voice.

"How much did this thing cost?" I blurted. 

Moretti chuckled, opening the door for me. But it seemed as if reality crashed in at this very moment.

"You really don't have to." I took a step back and spoke quickly, thinking that might stop him. "I can take the bus, I'm used to it. Thanks anyways."

I turned around, ready to walk away before a strong hand wrapped around my wrist. Out of instinct, I felt myself tense and my eyes followed to where we made contact. Moretti soon saw my reaction and pulled away. 

"I don't mind." He said with a smile, attempting to make the moment less awkward. "Us rich people don't have much to do other than sit around and drink." Moretti gestured to the open door, encouraging me. "Go ahead."

I stepped inside, sitting carefully so as to not damage or break anything that would probably cost more than I would ever make in my lifetime. Moretti took his seat, turning on the car which barely even made a sound.

"Where to?" Moretti glanced at me, a smile still present on his lips.

I exhaled, waiting for the flood of questions that would surely come after I told him.

"Sherman's Academy." I said, biting my lip with nervousness.

Moretti nodded making his way through the traffic. For a moment I thought I was safe, that he wouldn't ask any questions. However, he was doing me a favor and it was illogical that he wouldn't be curious. So when he spoke up I gathered the courage to confront the questions that I typically got when I got to the most important part of my life.

"You have a sister that attends Sherman's?" Moretti asked, stopping at a traffic light.

"Actually, it's my daughter."